Crimson Blue Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
We've just got back from the European tour we played with Tarja. Now we're working on new material, experimenting, composing. There are also some concerts to play and some videos to make.

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is present on the recording?
It is dark, emotional and beautiful.

3.The band has been around since 2009 but this is the first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the first 5 years?
It is our second album, actually. The first one, "Innocence", was released here in Russia. It's not that conceptual and tragical, but there are some really cool songs on the track list.
So we spent about 5 years preparing to deliver our music to European audience. Not just music, but the whole concept. The band is not only songs, it is the way we play live, the way we look, the way we communicate with the people.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Mind, soul, emotions. The universe within and the one around each and every person. I believe sometimes lyrics are born with the melodies. So it is very important to have some certain image in your head when composing something. Then everything will fit perfectly.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Crimson Blue'?
Embracing contradictions.
We were attracted by different styles and genres, but didn't want to combine them in a way "part of this here, part of that over there, repeat twice". We wanted everything to sound natural. Even when you get your guitars tuned to low E, there must be a place for soft and tender vocals.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
The presentation of our first album in 2011 in Moscow. The supporting performance with Pain Of Salvation in 2012. Live shows in Belgrade, Kraków, Vilnius in 2014. The others are yet to come.
When on stage, we become one with music. We are the bridge between our songs and hearts of the audience. The energy flows and the magic begins.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Of course. We've already played shows in Greece, Finland and Eastern Europe and the response from the audience was incredible. So we are planning to start with a small tour across Russia and then return to Europe.
Of course, before that we are going to finish working on the 3rd album, so the tour might take place somewhere in autumn 2015.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of metal and goth?
Really we do not like to separate people into some group, we love everyone who like our music, that is why we do not learn about the differences between our audience.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I expect to keep on experimenting with some synthetic styles. Also we are already integrating some ethnic rhythms into our music. We have always been concentrated on expression, and it is all about atmosphere.
There is much more air in our new songs. Space to breath, whispers to listen to, sometimes. The whole sound is light and beautiful, and heavy parts are monumental.
The 3rd album shall sound like pure ambience breaking into wild metal.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I would name Tool, Pain Of Salvation, Meshuggah, Evoken, Nightwish, Sigur Rós. I also like listening to Korn, Linkin Park, Qntal, Within Temptation, Opeth, Porcupine Tree.
Inspiration is a quite complicated thing. You hear something and you start feeling something. When this happens, you need to capture the exact feeling. And then you think - ok, I like it, so if I want to make people feel the same way, what shall I do? And so long. Inspiration is not in notes and measures. It is in your heart.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Astronomy, reading, traveling, coffee. I studied physics for few years in MSU.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Don't spend too much time thinking, making plans and hesitating. For you are the only one who can make your dreams come true.